The Tattoos of Divergent Explained

With the latest book-to-film adaptation hitting the big screen this weekend, we're giving you moviegoers a quick refresher on some of the book's details. Here are the tattoos of Divergent explained: windows to the past, symbols of strength, and some very sexy ink.

back tattoo from the movie Divergent
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back tattoo from the movie Divergent

Tobias (Four) Dauntless initiate leader, secret Divergent, and Tris's love interest.

Tobias is inked with the symbols of the five factions of the Divergent world down his back. From the top to bottom, there are the symbols of the Dauntless (the brave), Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Erudite (the intelligent), and Amity (the peaceful).

According to the New York Post, it took three people three hours to apply the tattoo on actor Theo James, who remained standing throughout the process. The elaborate design consists of a total of forty numbered pieces from the production designer and Oscar nominee Andy Nicholson.

tattoos from the movie Divergent

Tris Born Abnegation, chosen Dauntless, and Divergent leading lady.

Tris is inked with three ravens on her collarbone, which she explains in the book as "a reminder of where I was...a way to honor my old life." The birds represent each of the members of the family she leaves behind when she chooses to join the Dauntless—her mother, father, and brother.

tattoo from the movie Divergent

Tori Born Erudite, chosen Dauntless, and friend to Tris.

With a painful history, Tori is tattooed with a black-and-white hawk featuring red eyes on the back of her neck. She explains in the book, "In some parts of the ancient world, the hawk symbolized the sun. Back when I got this, I figured if I always had the sun on me, I wouldn't be afraid of the dark." A tattoo artist at the Dauntless compound, Tori carries the mark to remind herself of the fears she has overcome.

Tell us what you think of the Divergent ink below, and catch the movie hitting theaters on Friday, March 21!